POC Plasmonic COVID-19 Test Uses Sensor Technology to Detect Coronavirus in Less than 45 Minutes

Scientists are developing a rapid point-of-care (POC) plasmonic COVID-19 test based on a cutting-edge sensor technology that would detect SARS-CoV-2 in less than 45 minutes with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity comparable to the gold standard RT-PCR lab diagnostic.

RNA Disease Diagnostics, Inc. (RNADD; Ontario, Canada) has secured an exclusive global license to the sensor technology jointly owned by the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB; Baltimore, MD, USA) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC; Baltimore, MD, USA). The sensor technology will be used to support RNADD's development and manufacture of proprietary molecular disease diagnostic testing kits, enabling the company to quickly and accurately detect multiple infectious diseases, helping to lead to the prevention of their transmission and spread.

The POC plasmonic COVID-19 test currently under development for commercialization would be based on the sensor technology that is designed to accurately and affordably detect infectious diseases in less than 45 minutes. RNADD plans to leverage its proprietary Antisense RNA diagnostic platform across multiple diseases and to create highly accurate, quick, affordable, and minimally invasive disease diagnostic testing kits. The company’s initial focus is to deploy COVID-19 Antisense diagnostic Point of Care (POC) and Home Use Test (HUT) rapid diagnostic testing kits.

"Licensing this promising sensor technology from the universities enables us to advance a diagnostic test that may serve as a future gold standard in accurate and rapid COVID-19 testing. Our hope is that this work contributes to public health as countries begin to reopen following the massive vaccination efforts designed to help with prevention," said Allan Oberman, co-founder and chairman for RNADD.

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RNA Disease Diagnostics, Inc.
University of Maryland, Baltimore
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